Pool Heaters: Do You Need One?

Are Pool Heaters Worth It?

Swim season is just about to start, but for many people, the wait for their pool to be warm enough to swim in can feel like an eternity. Not only do heaters for the pool help maintain a stable water temperature, but they can also add value to your home. Most importantly, take a dip without jumping into freezing cold water.

To determine if installing a pool heater is a good trade-off for your money, here are some reasons why you might consider buying one:

Take a Dip, Any Time

If you want to get the most out of your pool, you must invest in a pool heater. A pool heater extends the amount of time an owner can use the pool throughout the year. In the North, where there are four seasons, pool owners can enjoy their pools more often thanks to a pool heater.

If you’re in a place where there is winter, you know the feeling when you want to dip into the pool, but the water is almost freezing. A pool heater is a solution. When you turn on the heater, the water starts to soak up the heat and gets warm enough for you to enjoy. It’s like taking a hot bath instead of a bath in cold water.

Increases the Value of Your Home

You can use a pool to increase your home’s value in many ways. A swimming pool with a pool heater makes any backyard look great. A gorgeous pool landscaping can give anyone an edge over the competition. Installing a pool heater is an expensive investment. However, the return on investment can be well worth it. If you’re going to encumber or sell your property later on, a pool heater is an additional feature that increases the valuation of your property.

Health Benefits

Sometimes a cold pool can be a bother to get into. When you jump into a pool, the impact of your body hitting the water makes you tense up and sometimes causes muscle aches. But with a heated pool, you can avoid muscle aches and stiffness from the cold water. Since swimming is comfortable, you can release the day’s stress while rejuvenating your body.

Warm water therapy uses warm water to stretch and mold muscles, increase blood flow, and improve the immune system. Many doctors prescribe water therapy to improve the patient’s medical conditions. Warm water therapy relieves, to a certain extent, migraines or chronic pain and helps recover from an injury, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Warm water therapy is a safe, pleasant, and effective way to treat many conditions.

Night Swimming

Take advantage of your heated pool by hosting a pool party. By turning on the pool lights and pumping up your Bluetooth speakers, the atmosphere can be set for a great night in the pool! Having a heated pool means you can enjoy the pool year-round and not worry about fluctuating air temperature from night to day. This is very exciting for those who like swimming at night or enjoying a chill moment with their special someone.

Quality Family Time

Speaking of swimming, you should encourage your kids to do this. Swimming is a fun and healthy activity that can be done by all ages and genders. You should definitely introduce your children to it at an early age. Also, this is a great time to work on developing their swimming, an essential skill that can save their lives someday.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Pool Heater

Whether or not you need a pool heater depends on how often you use it. You’ll need a heater almost every day, even in cold seasons. However, if you’re a casual swimmer, you can reduce your energy bills and save money by not installing one.

Aside from the obvious, consider what type of pool heater you need.

Gas type (natural and propane)

Natural gas heaters are typically cheaper than propane. It is a cleaner burning fuel, but the individual parts of a natural gas heater tend to wear out faster. If you are looking to save some money, it may be better to purchase a propane heater. It may cost you more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. Just clean it every few months to prevent the parts from falling.

Electric type

The most effective pumps are powered by electric motors, as they are quicker and more efficient than a gas-operated pump. Electric pumps are generally more expensive than gas counterparts but better for indoor and sensitive environments. They do not create fumes or noise, as gas-powered pumps do. They work similar to how the heat pump pool heater works.

Solar

Solar pool heating systems work to heat your swimming pool using the sun. This means you can save money by having one added to your pool. Since they’re powered by the sun, they don’t need to be plugged in and will work independently. Solar pool heating systems are a wise investment because they promote energy efficiency and are easy to use. They can last more than 10 years.

In terms of longevity, many pool heaters can last up to 20 years. If you use a quality heater, you can expect to use it for many years. This is because it will be easier to maintain over time.

Pool Heater Cost

The upfront cost of a pool heater range is between $1,000 and $5,000, regardless of the type. The recurring costs will depend on the pool size and the temperature you always use. The operating price is where the bulk of expenses go. Pool heaters average operating cost ranges between $2,277 and $3,177 per year. 

Final Note

So, are pool heaters worth it?

You will not enjoy your pool if the water temperature is not right. This is why having a pool heating system in colder states is popular.

While a pool heater may add to the cost of the pool, it is an essential tool for those who want to thoroughly enjoy the water. If you’re an athlete or suffering from a certain medical condition, warm water can help improve your health. In addition, having a pool heater will extend the season for using your pool. In other words, install a pool heater if you want to use your pool throughout the year. If not, buying one may not be a good investment.